Social media posts contribute to uptick in unlawful hikes

HONOLULU (AP) - A Hawaii trails specialist says social media posts have increased traffic on unsanctioned paths across the state.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday that there has been a dramatic increase in the use of the state trails, as well as people going to places that are obviously dangerous.

Aaron Lowe, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources' trails and access specialist, says that anyone on social media can post "information about a trail that they hiked on regardless of jurisdiction trespass, hazard or maintenance."

On Instagram, a search for #haikustairs yields more than 34,000 posts, with new ones as recent as March 5. The shuttered staircase that scales high up the Koolau Mountains - requiring trespassing - has become one of the popular unsanctioned hikes.

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